Take Breaks

Take Breaks

So, you have tried all of this stuff. It is working a little, but you still find your mind wandering once you’ve been at it a while. Of course, it does! The human brain craves novelty. After sustained periods of focusing on anything, your brain starts seeking out something new. That’s where a short break can re-energize your brain and can refocus your attention.

Do:

Take a walk around the office or even walk outside for some fresh air. Walking allows you to stretch your legs out and get your blood pumping.

Get something to drink, grab a snack, or visit the restroom if needed. Skipping your body’s physical needs now might make them a distraction once you try to get back to work.

Don’t:

Be tempted to look at your voicemails, emails, or app notifications. Digital distractions can completely derail your time, attention, and energy.

Like everything else, plan for these breaks so they don’t become a problem all on their own. Before you start work on anything, break your project into smaller “bites” and plan on taking short breaks between the different parts. By doing this, you are likely to find that you return to your work with a revitalized ability to pay attention to the task at hand.

Improving mental focus is something anyone can achieve. Managing your environment and establishing effective routines are the most critical factors. Practicing these techniques day in and day out will help establish them in your daily routine.

You might also consider any other changes you might need to make in your lifestyle that could be contributing to the problem. Eliminating distractions and improving the comfort of your workspaces alone might not be enough.

If you are not getting enough sleep at night, it may be difficult to improve your focus. Many adults in today’s world are doing well to get 6-7 hours of sleep at night. What you are eating and even how often you exercise can also play a vital role in your focus. That is why the best long-term plans for improving your mental focus should include a healthy diet and regular exercise. Be honest with yourself so you can determine if you need to make any changes.

Also, don’t be afraid to reach out for help if your efforts are not yielding the results you would like to see. There is no need to deal with this alone. Talk to a doctor or a therapist who can help you rule out any other underlying causes. By seeking professional advice, you can also be more confident that you are on a path that can resolve your concerns.

Finally, make sure that you believe can improve. Regularly telling yourself that you can’t get better at something has been shown to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Don’t allow yourself to think that changing any bad habit is impossible. Instead, have an “I Can Do It” mindset. This is the first and most crucial step towards gaining control of your focus. Start every day armed with a clear plan, clear expectations, and a positive attitude.